Page 65 - Encyclopedia of the Unusual and Unexplained Vol. 3

Ghosts and Phantoms 45

ing on their bedsteads at night. It would raise work in the house. This was witnessed by a “The Tedworth
the children’s beds in time with its incessant roomful of people, but Mompesson soon for- Drummer” poltergeists
drumming, and, when it finally did quiet bade his servant such familiarities with their (1662–1663). (FORTEAN
down, it would lie under their beds scratching invisible tormenter. PICTURE LIBRARY)
at the floor. The Mompessons hopefully tried
moving their children to another room, but it When the thing began to leave behind
did no good. The drummer moved right along offensive, sulphurous fumes, the Mompessons
with them. took this as sufficient evidence that their
unwelcome guest had come directly from the
By November 5, the ghostly drummer had pit of Hades. A Reverend Cragg was sum-
achieved such strength that it could hand moned to conduct a prayer meeting in the
boards to a servant who was doing some repair house. The drummer maintained a reverent

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